Requesting an exam date or time change

As a student enrolled at Massey University, you have agreed to the University’s assessment policies, terms and conditions. Your confirmation of enrolment states the expectation you will be available for the exam period. This includes sitting an exam at the designated date, time and centre as detailed in your examination timetable.

Requests to change the date or time of your scheduled exam have to be due to exceptional circumstances that are clearly beyond your control and must be supported with documentation.

If your request is approved, your exam will be rescheduled to within 24 hours of the scheduled date, unless absolutely unavoidable.

Specific criteria for change requests

If you are unable to attend your scheduled exam, and your circumstances meet the following criteria, you can request a change of date or time.

Important: Requests must be supported with evidence in the form of documentation. If a third party is validating your request (ie employer, sports coach), full contact details must be provided so we can contact them for further clarification if required.

Business or professional commitments

If you cannot be released from your duties, a formal letter from your employer with an explanation is required.

Elite sporting commitments

If you are selected to attend an elite sporting event, a formal letter from your coach or other appropriate representative is required confirming your selection and attendance date of the elite sporting event.

Formal wedding party (or equivalent)

If you are part of the bridal party or an immediate family member, and are attending a wedding scheduled for the same day and time as the examination, a copy of the wedding invitation is required along with a formal letter from the bride or groom confirming you are one of the following:

bride/groom

best man/groomsman

bridesmaid/maid of honour

parent/guardian/brother/sister of bride or groom only.

Legal commitments (eg jury service or a witness in a trial)

If you have a legal commitment, formal documentation of your summons must be provided to confirm the dates and times of your commitment.

Military personnel

If you are called for duty and cannot be accommodated by Education Officers for the relevant Armed Force on-site at the scheduled exam time, a formal letter from the appropriate professional representative is required.

Religious grounds

If you are restricted from attending the scheduled exam due to religious commitments, a formal letter is required from a relevant, religious representative confirming you are a regular and practicing member of a recognised religious organisation.

Other event

If you have a significant, unforeseen situation or event resulting in your inability to attend the scheduled exam, you must provide evidence of the situation/event.

The event must be an unplanned occurrence beyond your control, that happens prior to the exam period and is not covered by the Aegrotat Provisions (eg family or health issues, natural disasters).

If you are travelling at the end of the semester, make sure your bookings are after the examination period, or wait until the release of your examination timetable.

Note: Booking flights before you know your timetable is not grounds for applying for a change of date or time.

How to apply

You can request a change of date or time by logging into your student portal and clicking on the Results and Exams tab.

Page authorised by Director, Student Administration
Last updated on Friday 24 April 2020